The argument for drinking wine just keeps getting better and better. It was previously well-known that consuming red wine could be helpful for heart and colon health, thanks to the presence of polyphenols in the beverage. Polyphenols are antioxidants that fight harmful free radicals throughout the body. Other research has supported the hypothesis that polyphenols interact with gut bacteria, and therefore promote good health there as well. But now, it seems, wine can help fend off cavities too.
According to Science Daily, researchers looked at the effect of polyphenols on the bacteria that sticks to teeth and gums, causing plaque, cavities, and periodontal disease. M. Victoria Moreno-Arribas and colleagues published their findings in the ACS’ Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. They found that two wine polyphenols, caffeic and p-coumaric acids, “were generally better than the total wine extracts at cutting back on the bacteria’s ability to stick to the cells.” What’s more, these polyphenols were even better at fighting the harmful mouth bacteria when combined with Streptococcus dentisani, an oral probiotic.
The findings point specifically to the health benefits associated with red wine. So when given the choice, you can happily pour yourself a glass, all in the name of good health. Santé!
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